How Long Does It Take to Visit, and What Is the Best Time?
A typical visit to the Vienna Furniture Museum takes around 60–90 minutes. This is enough time to see the permanent displays and enjoy temporary exhibitions. For a more peaceful visit, come early in the morning or after 3:00 pm when group tours are less frequent.
History of the Vienna Furniture Museum
Beginnings: From Imperial Storage to Cultural Institution
The Vienna Furniture Museum traces its roots back to 1747, when Empress Maria Theresa founded the Imperial Court Furniture Administration to manage and maintain the furnishings of the Habsburg palaces. The depot, known as the Hofmobiliendepot, was responsible for cataloging, repairing, and storing thousands of imperial objects, ensuring that furniture could be transported and reused across palaces such as Schoenbrunn, Hofburg, and Belvedere.
From Monarchy to Republic
After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918, the collection became the property of the Republic of Austria. While much of the furniture continued to serve official functions in embassies and ministries, a growing part of the depot was opened to the public, allowing visitors to discover the artistry and craftsmanship of imperial interiors for the first time.
Transformation into a Modern Museum
In the late 20th century, the Hofmobiliendepot evolved into today’s Vienna Furniture Museum. A major renovation in 1998 turned the former storage facility into a cultural venue open to all. The museum now showcases Austrian furniture design from the 18th century to the present, combining imperial heritage with modern creativity and craftsmanship.
A Living Archive of Austrian Design
Today, the Vienna Furniture Museum houses over 165,000 objects, making it one of the world’s largest furniture collections. Exhibits span from Baroque and Rococo to Biedermeier, Historicism, Viennese Modernism, and contemporary design. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions exploring themes such as Viennese Modernism, the legacy of Josef Frank, and post-war Austrian design movements.
What Can You Expect to See Inside the Vienna Furniture Museum?
Inside the museum, visitors can explore themed rooms and chronological displays that illustrate how furniture reflected power, elegance, and everyday life in Austria through the centuries. Highlights include:
- Lavishly decorated Baroque and Rococo pieces from the imperial palaces
- Biedermeier interiors showcasing simplicity and craftsmanship of the 19th century
- Art Nouveau and Viennese Modernist designs by Otto Wagner and Josef Hoffmann
- Mid-20th-century furniture highlighting the evolution of modern living
- Contemporary Austrian design studios like EOOS and mischer’traxler
Special exhibits such as “Sissi in the Movies” display original imperial furniture used in famous films, while interactive sections explore the skills of cabinet-making, gilding, and upholstery.
Purpose of the Vienna Furniture Museum Over Time
The museum’s purpose extends beyond exhibition. It serves as a national archive dedicated to conserving, restoring, and interpreting Austria’s rich design heritage. The Vienna Furniture Museum continues to connect the past and present, showing how craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic expression have shaped living culture across generations.
What Should You Know Before Visiting the Vienna Furniture Museum?
- The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers lifts to all exhibition levels.
- Photography without flash is permitted; tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
- Large bags and umbrellas should be stored in lockers at the entrance.
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries.
What Time Does the Vienna Furniture Museum Open?
The Vienna Furniture Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and remains closed on Mondays.
Where Is the Vienna Furniture Museum Located?
The museum is located at Andreasgasse 7, 1070 Vienna, in the Neubau district near Mariahilfer Strasse — one of Vienna’s most popular shopping streets. It is easily accessible by public transport via metro line U3 (Zieglergasse station) or bus line 13A (Mariahilfer Strasse/Neubaugasse stop). Visitors arriving by car can use nearby parking garages around Andreasgasse.
Blending imperial history with design innovation, the Vienna Furniture Museum is a must-visit destination for art, culture, and architecture enthusiasts exploring Vienna’s royal heritage.